[Humanism (The New Critical Idiom)] [By: Davies, Tony] [March, 2008]

A clear account of the major issues and debates, from classical to modern literature and drama. Key names discussed in this wide-ranging survey include Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, Pico, Erasmus, Marx and Milton. Definitions of humanism have evolved throughout the centuries as the term has been adopted for a variety of purposes – literary, cultural and political – and reactions against humanism have contributed to movements such as postmodernism and anti-humanism. Tony Davies offers a clear introduction to the many uses of this influential yet complex concept and this second edition extends his discussion to include: a comprehensive history of the development of the term and its influences theories of post-humanism, cybernetics and artificial intelligence implications of concepts of humanism and post-humanism on political and religious activism discussion of the key figures in humanist debate from Erasmus and Milton to Chomsky, Heidegger and Foucault a new glossary and further reading section. With clear explanations and poignant discussions, this volume is essential reading for anyone approaching the study of humanism, post-humanism or critical theory.